Tthets’ek’ehdeli Got’ie (Jean Marie River First Nation) remains under an evacuation alert. Structure protections were installed near the community along with other areas in NWT experiencing wild fire threats.
Fire officials caution that “extremely challenging weather” is expected today including high winds in areas across the territory that could cause fires to spread “significantly.” Smokey conditions along Hwy 3 and Hwy 6 have been reported due to area wildfires. A portion of Hwy 8 near the NWT / Yukon border was closed today due to area wildfires.
Winds are expected to gust up to 50 km per hour in some areas of the territories today.
Dana Bowen, an NWT Fire information officer reported that structure protections have been installed at the north end of Tthets’ek’ehdeli Got’ie (Jean Marie River First Nation) community.
An evacuation alert began on Monday following a recommendation by NWT Fire due to a fire (FS014) which is currently just over 20 km northwest of Jean-Marie River and 23km southeast of Fort Simpson).
“As residents of Jean-Marie River have received an evacuation alert, ECC expects high fire activity to come. Wildfire crews and airtankers continue work to contain it and minimize growth toward the community,” said NWT Fire.
Jean-Marie River First Nation officials and NWT Fire are cautioning community members to be prepared to evacuate on short notice
“Residents of Jean Marie River should be ready to evacuate on short notice due to a wildfire in the area. This is currently an alert to prepare. If you need to evacuate, an order will be issued with further information,” said officials in a post on social media today.
Jean-Marie River First Nation officials and NWT Fire are asking community members to go to GNWT’s Public Safety webpage
https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/public-safety the GNWT Fire Map
https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/services/wildfire-update/en/firedata and to check with the Band Office regarding any questions about the alert.
“In addition, check Facebook regularly (this Facebook page) and stay in communication with the Band Office, for updates,” said Jean Marie River FN officials.
“We are working on getting the radio station up and running, so keep your radios on as well, please. We will do our best to provide notices, but we ask that everyone plays their part in helping to stay informed as well,” added Jean Marie River FN representatives.
Yesterday Jean Marie River First Nation held a community meeting discussing wildfire updates at the band office.
NWT Fire posted the latest update yesterday evening and are going to be posting additional updates as needed today on social media and the NWT Fire wildfire update webpages
Yesterday’s NWT’s fire updates are also available on True North FM Jean Marie River FN stays on evac alert, crews battle fires across NWT – My True North Now
